Electric motor with wall support of u-shaped terminals

Abstract

An end cap of a fractional horsepower electric motor has channels 27 in which female terminals 18 connect to a power supply plug. The terminals 18 are shaped and configured to ensure good electrical connection with the plug terminals and to prevent the plugs inadvertently disengaging during operation of the motor.

I claim: 
     
       1. The combination, comprising: (a) an end cap for a fractional horsepower motor, said end cap having an axially extending, elongated channel formed therein for receiving a male terminal of predetermined size;   (b) a brush assembly and a brush leaf mounting plate both mounted in said end cap, with said brush assembly being supported by said brush leaf mounting plate;   (c) a female terminal located in said channel and comprising a planar sheet of resilient conductive material which is centrally folded into a generally U-shaped terminal having first and second opposing limbs and a narrow base connecting said limbs, said female terminal being anchored into said channel at said base and being electrically and mechanically connected to said brush leaf mounting plate, said limbs extending along respective sides of said channel with a central opening between said limbs into which a male terminal of said predetermined size may be inserted, each limb being spaced from its respective side of said channel by a small lateral separation at a position adjacent said base, said limbs including portions intermediate their lengths that are curved inwardly towards one another so as to have a nominal separation when said portions are relaxed which is less than said male terminal of predetermined size at its width, each of said portions when relaxed being spaced from the side of said channel adjacent thereto by substantially more than said small lateral separation, and distal ends of said limbs pressing against their respective sides of said channel after said male terminal is inserted into said female terminal.   
     
     
       2. The combination according to claim 1, in which the limbs include opposite surfaces that are arcuate in section to form contact surfaces which in use partially wrap around an outer surface of a cylindrical male terminal of said predetermined size.